News Analysis India

Tag: Indian Air Force

  • Sat phones, special runners and more… all in place for polls in Anantnag-Rajouri

    Anantnag/Rajouri (JK): With the threat of cross-border shelling in some border areas and satellite phones and special runners in place to deal with contingencies, all is in readiness for elections in the controversially redrawn Anantnag-Rajouri constituency from where PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti is contesting. Contesting against Mehbooba Mufti, working to revive her party’s fortunes following its alliance with the BJP in 2015, in the keenly watched election on Saturday are National Conference’s Mian Altaf and 18 others.

    Elections in the last of the five seats in Jammu and Kashmir take place against the backdrop of four terror incidents, including one that claimed the life of an Indian Air Force soldier and a former BJP sarpanch.

    Nothing is being left to chance, said officials. Multi-layer security arrangements have been put in place in the constituency spread across 18 assembly segments in Anantnag, Kulgam and Shopian in south Kashmir and Rajouri and Poonch districts south of Pir Panjal to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling. The Election Commission has set up 2,338 polling stations in the parliamentary constituency, which has more than 18.36 lakh voters. Four election staff, including the presiding officer, will be stationed in every polling booth. In all, more than 9,000 polling staffers, including reserves, are being deployed and have left for their stations. AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther States With 19 border polling stations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri and Poonch, a contingency plan has been worked out to deal with cross-border shelling though chances are negligible given the ongoing ceasefire between India and Pakistan that came into effect in February 2021, officials said. Some polling stations fall in communication-shadow areas and alternative arrangements have been put in place in such areas with satellite phones, wireless sets and special runners being provided in case of a crisis. The parliamentary seat was redrawn, sparking controversy due to the geographical divide imposed by the Pir Panjal ranges. Criticism was levied against the delimitation process with Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party among others voicing concern over the methodology employed and suggesting a lack of consideration for geographical coherence. In 2019, the Anantnag constituency had a turnout of just 9.8 per cent. And so perhaps, in a marked contrast to the fervent campaigning witnessed in other constituencies, the area has seen relatively subdued rallies.

    However, the Poonch and Rajouri regions, known for high voter turnouts, have seen hectic campaigning with all parties getting their top leaders to campaign.

    Political heavyweights such as National Conference’s Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti and her daughter Iltija Mufti, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party’s Altaf Bukhari and Azad have spent considerable time in engaging with voters.

    Originally slated for May 7, the Election Commission postponed polling in Anantnag-Rajouri citing adverse weather conditions. The decision to defer voting by 18 days drew the ire of regional political factions which alleged favouritism towards the BJP-backed Apni Party candidate Zafar Manhas.

    Azad, who was initially slated to contest under the DPAP banner, has fielded Mohammad Saleem Parray, prompting speculation of strategic candidate placements possibly influenced by the BJP to fracture opposition votes.

    This Lok Sabha election, the first since Article 370 was abrogated in 2019 and the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was divided into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, is crucial for Mehbooba Mufti.

    She is grappling with internal party dissension with several former PDP members now contesting against the party. The most prominent among them perhaps is Manhas, who was earlier affiliated with the PDP.

    Amid the political manoeuvring, National Conference’s Omar Abdullah hinted at BJP support for Mehbooba Mufti in certain local pockets, a claim she chose not to address publicly.

    The unfolding developments in Anantnag-Rajouri portend a riveting electoral showdown with far-reaching implications for the region’s political landscape.

    With record-high polling in Srinagar and Baramulla, political observers feel the south Kashmir constituency will also register a higher than expected voter turnout.

    The aggregate turnout in the four Lok Sabha seats, including Udhampur and Jammu, which have already gone to polls was around 59 per cent.

    Authorities had received more than 2,200 applications from the contesting candidates and political parties, seeking permission for various electioneering activities.

    While 1,920 applications for rallies, roadshows and meetings were approved, 303 pleas were rejected on various grounds.

    The 18.36 lakh voters are enrolled in the five districts of Kulgam, Anantnag, Poonch, Shopian and Rajouri of the parliamentary constituency include 9.33 lakh men, 9.02 women and 27 third-gender voters.

    Around 18,000 differently-abled people and 540 people aged above 100 years are eligible to cast their ballots.

    Polling will be held from 7 am to 6 pm. Before that, there will be a mock poll in the presence of polling agents. Voting will continue after 6 pm if voters are found standing in queues outside polling booths.

    Seventeen polling booths (‘pink’ polling stations) will be managed by women, 15 by differently-abled people and eight by youngsters. Also, there will be 15 ‘green’ polling stations to spread the message about environment awareness.

    All the polling stations in Anantnag-Rajouri will have CCTV cameras for live webcasting to the control rooms set up at the district and CEO office. The cameras will be positioned in such a way so that they do not violate the secrecy of vote.

  • 5 Soldiers Injured As Terrorists Open Fire On Secuirty Vehicles In J&K`s Poonch

    Terrorists opened fire on two vehicles, one of which belonged to the Indian Air Force (IAF), in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, injuring five security personnel.

  • India To Develop 5th-Gen Stealth Fighter Jet Capable Of Supersonic Cruise Speed |

    India has now decided to end its reliance on foreign fighter jets with the  Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) clearing a long-pending proposal to indigenously design and develop a fifth-generation deep penetration Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) in line with the futuristic requirement of the Indian Air Force. According to reports, the swing-role AMCA will be capable of achieving supersonic cruise speed. The initial cost of the project will be Rs 15,000 crore. This would be India’s another ambitious project after developing Light Combat Aircraf Tejas. This comes as a boost for Make In India in Defence.

    India’s Fighter Aircraft Project

    India has so far not built Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft and for its security needs, it often relies on France and Russia. India has 36 Rafale aircraft and it has expressed interest in buying 26 more aircraft from France.  The Indian Air Force (IAF) manages a diverse range of aircraft fleets, comprising over 1,700 aircraft, which includes more than 900 combat aircraft. Most of these aircraft are of foreign origin.

    LCA Tejas Project

    The Light Combat Aircraft trainer is a lightweight, all-weather, multirole aircraft. Tejas aircraft is a potent platform for air combat and offensive air support missions while reconnaissance and anti-ship operations are its secondary roles. This is the first time ever that an indigenous twin-seat fighter has been designed, developed and manufactured in India. The first version of the aircraft was inducted into the IAF in 2016. Currently, two squadrons of IAF, 45 Squadron and 18 Squadron, are fully operational with LCA Tejas. An order worth Rs 36,468 Crore for delivery of 83 LCA Mk 1A aircraft has been placed with HAL and delivery is scheduled to begin by March end this year. HAL has the current capacity to build 8 LCA aircraft per year. This is being increased to 16 aircraft every year by 2025 and further to 24 aircraft every year in the next 3 years.

    Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft Project

    While India has developed LCA Tejas, it has been working to develop and build an ambitious AMCA jet. Indian firms are working to develop a medium-weight deep penetration fighter jet with advanced stealth features to bolster its Air Force’s power capability. At present, only selected countries like the US, Russia and China have fifth-generation stealth fighter jets. Under the project, five prototypes of the AMCA will jointly be built by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with support from private industries.

    Other Projects In Pipeline

    The CCS also accorded in-principle approval to procure 34 Dhruv advanced light helicopters for the Coast Guard and the Indian Army. On the other hand, the Indian Air Force is also in the process of procuring 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA). The IAF will acquire 114 jets at a cost of around $18 billion.

  • IAF must be one of best, if not best when it completes 100 years in 2032: Air Chief Marshal

    By PTI

    PRAYAGRAJ: The Indian Air Force must remain ever vigilant in the face of “new and emerging threats”, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said on Sunday even as he asserted that the IAF will continue to protect the nation’s territory and deter potential adversaries, in comments that came amid the eastern Ladakh border row.

    In the current complex and dynamic strategic environment, refining the IAF’s strategy, building robust capabilities and developing a flexible mindset to “prosecute future wars” will prove decisive, the Chief of Air Staff said.

    In an address to air warriors on the occasion of Air Force Day, he said joint planning and integrated application of combat power will be the “sine-qua-non” of future wars and added, “we must reform, or become a relic; we must innovate, else become mundane and we must transform, else become irrelevant.”

    “If India is on the path to becoming a developed nation by 2047, then the IAF must be one of the best, if not the best, by the time we complete 100 years in 2032,” he said, highlighting the importance of air power in the changing global security matrix.

    The Indian Air Force was officially established on October 8, 1932.

    The IAF Chief said, “We need to understand the nuances of evolving air power, setting the pace to preserve peace and if and when necessary, to fight and win wars.”

    “First and foremost, I would like to urge you to strive for excellence in everything you do. This is non-negotiable,” he asserted.

    The Air Chief Marshal also batted for “candidly” assessing the IAF and address any inhibitions to change. “The force structure that we need to develop must be future-ready. Joint planning and integrated application of combat power will be the sine-qua-non of future wars,” he said.

    Without referring to specifics, the IAF Chief, talking about the last year, said the force has not only “circumvented” challenges but turned them into opportunities, adding the current geopolitical landscape has provided it an opportunity to reduce dependency on imports by developing indigenous capability.

    “In this complex and dynamic strategic environment, refining our strategy, building robust all-round capabilities and more importantly, developing a flexible mindset to prosecute future wars will prove decisive,” he said.

    “In our quest for becoming an air and space force, we must recognise the importance of the space domain and continue developing our space capabilities,” he said.

    The Air Chief Marshal also highlighted the need for the IAF to become an “agile and adaptable air force that provides decisive aerospace power in furtherance of our national interests.”

    “The world is changing at a rapid pace and we must meet all new challenges coming our way. We must continue to foster a culture of discipline, integrity and remain ever vigilant in the face of emerging threats,” he said.

    “Our commitment to the defence of our nation remains steadfast and we will continue to protect our territory, deter potential adversaries and ensure the safety and security of our people,” he added.

    Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said the IAF is not just a military force but also a symbol of India’s collective strength and determination. “The last year had brought its fair share of challenges our way. I am happy to note that the IAF has performed exceedingly well and passed every test with flying colours,” he said.

    On the IAF’s vision as laid down in its doctrine, the Air Chief Marshal said it is to be “an agile and adaptable air force that provides decisive aerospace power in furtherance of our national interests.”

    “From multi-domain operations to hybrid warfare, the air force needs to recognise that modern warfare transcends traditional boundaries. We must seamlessly integrate air, space, cyber and ground capabilities to dominate the battle space,” he said.

    “The question we must ask ourselves is, ‘what more can I do’? Do not limit yourselves to the needs of today. Think beyond today and you will realise that there is so much more to be done,” he said.

    The IAF Chief said innovation must become a part of IAF’s DNA, enabling it to easily adapt to emerging threats and challenges.

    “There is a need for us to candidly assess ourselves and address any inhibitions to change. The force structure that we need to develop must be future-ready. Joint planning and integrated application of combat power will be the sine-qua-non of future wars,” he said.

    “Developing unique tactics, carrying out realistic training and incorporating relevant lessons learnt will go a long way,” he added.

    On Angiveers, the Chief of Air Staff said, “We have successfully inducted the first batch of Agniveers and subsequent batches, including women Agniveers, are presently undergoing basic training.”

    The rigour of training has been increased across the board for all training curriculums with more emphasis on self-learning and self-education, he noted.

    Detailing the exercises carried out by the IAF, he said, “In this year alone, the IAF has carried out eight exercises across the globe with friendly foreign countries and performed exceptionally well.”

    “For the first time, our indigenously built LCAs (light combat aircraft) have participated in an overseas exercise, showcasing our professional acumen and enhancing our stature as a potent Air Force. IAF carried out extensive operations in Turkiye, Sudan and Syria airlifting critical supplies and rescuing stranded Indian nationals. As first responders, we have always maintained a high state of alert and taken on all emerging situations,” he said.

    The Air Force Day parade was held in Prayagraj.

    The parade was traditionally held at the Hindon airbase near Delhi till 2021 before the event was taken outside the national capital. It was held in Chandigarh last year.

    PRAYAGRAJ: The Indian Air Force must remain ever vigilant in the face of “new and emerging threats”, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said on Sunday even as he asserted that the IAF will continue to protect the nation’s territory and deter potential adversaries, in comments that came amid the eastern Ladakh border row.

    In the current complex and dynamic strategic environment, refining the IAF’s strategy, building robust capabilities and developing a flexible mindset to “prosecute future wars” will prove decisive, the Chief of Air Staff said.

    In an address to air warriors on the occasion of Air Force Day, he said joint planning and integrated application of combat power will be the “sine-qua-non” of future wars and added, “we must reform, or become a relic; we must innovate, else become mundane and we must transform, else become irrelevant.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “If India is on the path to becoming a developed nation by 2047, then the IAF must be one of the best, if not the best, by the time we complete 100 years in 2032,” he said, highlighting the importance of air power in the changing global security matrix.

    The Indian Air Force was officially established on October 8, 1932.

    The IAF Chief said, “We need to understand the nuances of evolving air power, setting the pace to preserve peace and if and when necessary, to fight and win wars.”

    “First and foremost, I would like to urge you to strive for excellence in everything you do. This is non-negotiable,” he asserted.

    The Air Chief Marshal also batted for “candidly” assessing the IAF and address any inhibitions to change. “The force structure that we need to develop must be future-ready. Joint planning and integrated application of combat power will be the sine-qua-non of future wars,” he said.

    Without referring to specifics, the IAF Chief, talking about the last year, said the force has not only “circumvented” challenges but turned them into opportunities, adding the current geopolitical landscape has provided it an opportunity to reduce dependency on imports by developing indigenous capability.

    “In this complex and dynamic strategic environment, refining our strategy, building robust all-round capabilities and more importantly, developing a flexible mindset to prosecute future wars will prove decisive,” he said.

    “In our quest for becoming an air and space force, we must recognise the importance of the space domain and continue developing our space capabilities,” he said.

    The Air Chief Marshal also highlighted the need for the IAF to become an “agile and adaptable air force that provides decisive aerospace power in furtherance of our national interests.”

    “The world is changing at a rapid pace and we must meet all new challenges coming our way. We must continue to foster a culture of discipline, integrity and remain ever vigilant in the face of emerging threats,” he said.

    “Our commitment to the defence of our nation remains steadfast and we will continue to protect our territory, deter potential adversaries and ensure the safety and security of our people,” he added.

    Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said the IAF is not just a military force but also a symbol of India’s collective strength and determination. “The last year had brought its fair share of challenges our way. I am happy to note that the IAF has performed exceedingly well and passed every test with flying colours,” he said.

    On the IAF’s vision as laid down in its doctrine, the Air Chief Marshal said it is to be “an agile and adaptable air force that provides decisive aerospace power in furtherance of our national interests.”

    “From multi-domain operations to hybrid warfare, the air force needs to recognise that modern warfare transcends traditional boundaries. We must seamlessly integrate air, space, cyber and ground capabilities to dominate the battle space,” he said.

    “The question we must ask ourselves is, ‘what more can I do’? Do not limit yourselves to the needs of today. Think beyond today and you will realise that there is so much more to be done,” he said.

    The IAF Chief said innovation must become a part of IAF’s DNA, enabling it to easily adapt to emerging threats and challenges.

    “There is a need for us to candidly assess ourselves and address any inhibitions to change. The force structure that we need to develop must be future-ready. Joint planning and integrated application of combat power will be the sine-qua-non of future wars,” he said.

    “Developing unique tactics, carrying out realistic training and incorporating relevant lessons learnt will go a long way,” he added.

    On Angiveers, the Chief of Air Staff said, “We have successfully inducted the first batch of Agniveers and subsequent batches, including women Agniveers, are presently undergoing basic training.”

    The rigour of training has been increased across the board for all training curriculums with more emphasis on self-learning and self-education, he noted.

    Detailing the exercises carried out by the IAF, he said, “In this year alone, the IAF has carried out eight exercises across the globe with friendly foreign countries and performed exceptionally well.”

    “For the first time, our indigenously built LCAs (light combat aircraft) have participated in an overseas exercise, showcasing our professional acumen and enhancing our stature as a potent Air Force. IAF carried out extensive operations in Turkiye, Sudan and Syria airlifting critical supplies and rescuing stranded Indian nationals. As first responders, we have always maintained a high state of alert and taken on all emerging situations,” he said.

    The Air Force Day parade was held in Prayagraj.

    The parade was traditionally held at the Hindon airbase near Delhi till 2021 before the event was taken outside the national capital. It was held in Chandigarh last year.

  • Indian Air Force pushes for indigenisation, keen to induct 100 LCA Tejas fighters

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: In a major push for indigenous fighters, the Indian Air Force is working on a proposal to induct the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

    Sources confirmed that the IAF is keen on inducting close to 100 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighters for which a plan is being worked out within the air force.

    The proposal is to be presented before the government subsequently.

    This IAF plan is to increase the profile of indigenous combat platforms. It is part of a long term plan to not only add resources for HAL to keep its assembly lines alive but also add more indigenously manufactured combat systems, sources added.

    These aircraft will replace the ageing squadrons of MiG 21 fighter jets.

    Once this order is completed in the stipulated 15 years, the IAF will have 40 LCA, over 180 LCA Mark-1A and at least 120 LCA Mark-2 planes.

    The decision followed the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari’s review of the status of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme at the Air Headquarters on Wednesday. Also in attendance were senior functionaries from the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, HAL and ADA.

    ALSO READ | LCA Tejas successfully test-fires ASTRA

    The Air Force chief had brought out that the LCA has been the flag bearer of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) efforts towards indigenisation of its aircraft fleet. Given the nature of this project of national importance, it is required that all stakeholders adopt a collaborative approach towards its success,” he said.

    The first indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was inducted in July 2016. The first IAF Squadron to induct the Tejas was No 45 Squadron, the ‘Flying Daggers’. Over the years, the squadron progressed from Vampires to Gnats and then onto the MiG-21 Bis, before being equipped with Tejas.

    Tejas is a multi-role platform designed to undertake the air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles. The LCA Mk-1A will have updated avionics, as well as an Active Electronically Steered Radar, updated Electronic Warfare suite and a Beyond Visual Range missile capability. The new variant will be capable of firing a number of weapons from increased stand-off ranges.

    As per the IAF, during the review, representatives of HAL assured the CAS of the timely delivery of the contracted twin-seaters in the coming months. Further to the LCA Mk 1, 83 LCA Mk-1A aircraft have also been contracted by the IAF in 2021. The Chairman & Managing Director of HAL assured those present that the deliveries of this advanced variant of the LCA would commence by February 2024.

    While complimenting HAL, the Air Force chief indicated that based on these assurances, the LCA Mk 1A could be inducted in a newly raised squadron in one of the IAF’s operational bases, early next year.

    “With timely deliveries of the more capable variant, the LCA Mk 1A is likely to see increased deployments at forward bases, besides participation in international exercises in the days to come,” he added.

    NEW DELHI: In a major push for indigenous fighters, the Indian Air Force is working on a proposal to induct the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

    Sources confirmed that the IAF is keen on inducting close to 100 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighters for which a plan is being worked out within the air force.

    The proposal is to be presented before the government subsequently.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    This IAF plan is to increase the profile of indigenous combat platforms. It is part of a long term plan to not only add resources for HAL to keep its assembly lines alive but also add more indigenously manufactured combat systems, sources added.

    These aircraft will replace the ageing squadrons of MiG 21 fighter jets.

    Once this order is completed in the stipulated 15 years, the IAF will have 40 LCA, over 180 LCA Mark-1A and at least 120 LCA Mark-2 planes.

    The decision followed the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari’s review of the status of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme at the Air Headquarters on Wednesday. Also in attendance were senior functionaries from the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, HAL and ADA.

    ALSO READ | LCA Tejas successfully test-fires ASTRA

    The Air Force chief had brought out that the LCA has been the flag bearer of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) efforts towards indigenisation of its aircraft fleet. Given the nature of this project of national importance, it is required that all stakeholders adopt a collaborative approach towards its success,” he said.

    The first indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was inducted in July 2016. The first IAF Squadron to induct the Tejas was No 45 Squadron, the ‘Flying Daggers’. Over the years, the squadron progressed from Vampires to Gnats and then onto the MiG-21 Bis, before being equipped with Tejas.

    Tejas is a multi-role platform designed to undertake the air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles. The LCA Mk-1A will have updated avionics, as well as an Active Electronically Steered Radar, updated Electronic Warfare suite and a Beyond Visual Range missile capability. The new variant will be capable of firing a number of weapons from increased stand-off ranges.

    As per the IAF, during the review, representatives of HAL assured the CAS of the timely delivery of the contracted twin-seaters in the coming months. Further to the LCA Mk 1, 83 LCA Mk-1A aircraft have also been contracted by the IAF in 2021. The Chairman & Managing Director of HAL assured those present that the deliveries of this advanced variant of the LCA would commence by February 2024.

    While complimenting HAL, the Air Force chief indicated that based on these assurances, the LCA Mk 1A could be inducted in a newly raised squadron in one of the IAF’s operational bases, early next year.

    “With timely deliveries of the more capable variant, the LCA Mk 1A is likely to see increased deployments at forward bases, besides participation in international exercises in the days to come,” he added.

  • Defence Bill in Parliament set to grant disciplinary, administrative powers to inter-services heads

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Aiming to devolve disciplinary and administrative powers to the head of inter-services Organisations (ISO), a parliamentary panel on defence has recommended that the inter-services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, be passed and enacted as a statute, without any amendments.

    “In summation, the committee, while agreeing with the provisions of the bill, in no uncertain words recommend that the bill without any amendments be passed, enacted as a statute and the committee’s observations/recommendation be considered,” the Standing Committee on Defence said in its report.

    The Panel’s Report (Seventeenth Lok Sabha) on the bill was presented to Lok Sabha on Friday and also laid in Rajya Sabha.

    The Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 15 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Defence by the Speaker on April 24 for examination and report. It is a significant move as India has begun the process to re-organise and integrate its Armed Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) into theatre commands.

    The restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands in which the personnel of the three forces will serve together.

    Currently, personnel of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force are governed in accordance with the provisions contained in their specific governing or regulatory Service Acts — the Army Act, 1950; the Navy Act, 1957; and the Air Force Act, 1950.

    “At the time of enactment of these respective Acts, most of the service organisations were largely comprised of personnel from a single service i.e. Either Army, Navy or Air Force. However, now there are numerous inter-services organisations such as Andaman and Nicobar Command, Strategic Forces Command, Defence Space Agency etc. And joint training establishments like National Defence Academy and National Defence College, where personnel of the armed forces and other forces serve together,” the committee added.

    Currently, the commander-in-chief or officer-in-command of the inter-services organisations is not empowered to exercise disciplinary/administrative powers over the personnel belonging to other services. Only officers of the respective services are empowered to exercise disciplinary powers over the service personnel under their respective Service Acts, the report said.

    “Accordingly, the officers serving in these organisations need to be reverted to their respective parent service units for exercising any disciplinary or administrative action,” it said.

    In view of the above, the Ministry of Defence has proposed to enact new legislation that is the inter-services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill, 2023.

    “The Bill seeks to empower the commander-in-chief and officer-in-command of inter-services organisations with all disciplinary and administrative powers in respect of personnel serving in or attached to such organisations/establishments,” it said. 

    The members of the committee have been mandated to present their report to Parliament by the last day of the first week of the ensuing Monsoon session. The session began on July 20 and is scheduled to end on August 11. 

    The committee found that “as per the Objects and Reasons of the Bill, the proposed bill will essentially be an enabling legislation, which will empower the heads of the inter-services organisations to exercise effective command, control and discipline on all personnel of regular Air Force, Army and Navy and to persons of other forces as notified by the central government, who are serving in or attached to an inter-services organisation, without amending the respective Acts.”

    Service personnel when serving in or attached to an inter-services organisation will “continue to be governed by their respective Service Acts”, it added.

    The panel prepared this report based on the background brief provided by the Ministry of Defence, the oral examination of the representatives of the ministry held on May 29 and post-evidence replies sought by the committee.

    NEW DELHI: Aiming to devolve disciplinary and administrative powers to the head of inter-services Organisations (ISO), a parliamentary panel on defence has recommended that the inter-services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, be passed and enacted as a statute, without any amendments.

    “In summation, the committee, while agreeing with the provisions of the bill, in no uncertain words recommend that the bill without any amendments be passed, enacted as a statute and the committee’s observations/recommendation be considered,” the Standing Committee on Defence said in its report.

    The Panel’s Report (Seventeenth Lok Sabha) on the bill was presented to Lok Sabha on Friday and also laid in Rajya Sabha.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 15 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Defence by the Speaker on April 24 for examination and report. It is a significant move as India has begun the process to re-organise and integrate its Armed Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) into theatre commands.

    The restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands in which the personnel of the three forces will serve together.

    Currently, personnel of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force are governed in accordance with the provisions contained in their specific governing or regulatory Service Acts — the Army Act, 1950; the Navy Act, 1957; and the Air Force Act, 1950.

    “At the time of enactment of these respective Acts, most of the service organisations were largely comprised of personnel from a single service i.e. Either Army, Navy or Air Force. However, now there are numerous inter-services organisations such as Andaman and Nicobar Command, Strategic Forces Command, Defence Space Agency etc. And joint training establishments like National Defence Academy and National Defence College, where personnel of the armed forces and other forces serve together,” the committee added.

    Currently, the commander-in-chief or officer-in-command of the inter-services organisations is not empowered to exercise disciplinary/administrative powers over the personnel belonging to other services. Only officers of the respective services are empowered to exercise disciplinary powers over the service personnel under their respective Service Acts, the report said.

    “Accordingly, the officers serving in these organisations need to be reverted to their respective parent service units for exercising any disciplinary or administrative action,” it said.

    In view of the above, the Ministry of Defence has proposed to enact new legislation that is the inter-services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill, 2023.

    “The Bill seeks to empower the commander-in-chief and officer-in-command of inter-services organisations with all disciplinary and administrative powers in respect of personnel serving in or attached to such organisations/establishments,” it said. 

    The members of the committee have been mandated to present their report to Parliament by the last day of the first week of the ensuing Monsoon session. The session began on July 20 and is scheduled to end on August 11. 

    The committee found that “as per the Objects and Reasons of the Bill, the proposed bill will essentially be an enabling legislation, which will empower the heads of the inter-services organisations to exercise effective command, control and discipline on all personnel of regular Air Force, Army and Navy and to persons of other forces as notified by the central government, who are serving in or attached to an inter-services organisation, without amending the respective Acts.”

    Service personnel when serving in or attached to an inter-services organisation will “continue to be governed by their respective Service Acts”, it added.

    The panel prepared this report based on the background brief provided by the Ministry of Defence, the oral examination of the representatives of the ministry held on May 29 and post-evidence replies sought by the committee.

  • Indian armed forces likely to get their first Integrated Theatre Command in August

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: India’s armed forces are in for their biggest reorganisation since Independence as preparations to roll out the first Integrated Theatre Command (ITC) are in advanced stages. “The Jaipur-headquartered South Western Command (SWC) will be the first theatre command, followed by Lucknow-based Northern Theatre Command,” a defence source said.

    An announcement in this regard is expected to be made on the Independence Day. 

    The South Western Command will initially function as the test-bed ITC in order to iron out the shortcomings and implement the commensurate amendments. The Lucknow-based ITC will be the next in line followed by the Maritime Theatre Command, based out of Karwar in Karnataka, entrusted with the responsibility of the coastal and maritime operations.

    The commands are being worked out as per the concept of ‘One Border One Force.’ The Western Integrated Theatre Command will be responsible for defence and security concerning Pakistan. Lucknow, which currently is the headquarters of the Central Command of the Indian Army, is to become the headquarters of the Northern ITC, having the entire northern border with China under its area of responsibility.

    The proposed ITCs will be created with no liabilities towards the creation of additional posts or ranks, as the structure will be created from the existing command structure of each Service. At present, the three armed forces function with 17 independent commands: Army and Air Force have seven commands each and the Navy has three commands.

    China, in 2016, reorganised its seven military regions into five theatre commands with Indian borders falling into the operational responsibility of its Western Theatre Command. 

    The ITC will reorganise the complete war-waging machinery comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force.  Discussions continue to identify the first Lieutenant General rank officer to be elevated as the first Theatre Commander. The warfighting structure of the Armed Forces is being reorganised into theatre commands with an aim to have the assets of all three forces under one commander responsible for all operations under his theatre.

    According to sources, if the appointment goes by the seniority principle, Lt Gen RP Kalita, commissioned in 1984 and the present GoC-in-C of Kolkata-based Eastern Command, will be the seniormost officer in line for appointment to the post.

    If the continuity of service of an officer in the same place comes into consideration, Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju, the serving SWC Commander, will be chosen. The SWC was formally raised on April 15, 2005, and operationalised on August 15, 2005, at Jaipur Military Station. Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju assumed the charge of SWC on 1 March this year. Lt Gen Raju was commissioned in the Jat Regiment in 1984.

    Once appointed, the retirement age of the Theatre Commander will get pushed to 61 years, sources said. While the Services chiefs including the Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) serve for three years as chiefs or till 62 years of age, whichever is earlier. For all the Lieutenant General rank officers it is fixed at 60 years.

    The major reform at the Higher Defence Management level was initiated with the government forming the Department of Military Affairs in 2019 and General Bipin Rawat appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff. Formulation of the Theatre Command is the mandate of the CDS along with integration and synergy of the armed forces.

    The mandate of the Department of Military Affairs includes the facilitation of restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands. The present plans are the result of the studies entrusted to the Commands of the three services on issues related to the organisation and structures.

    While in the case of the Army South Western Command and Central Command have carried out the study. Central Command of the Air Force and Eastern Command of the Navy have carried out the studies. The theaterisation process was initiated by CDS General Rawat who was killed in an unfortunate accident in December 2021. This led to a delay in the process.

    NEW DELHI: India’s armed forces are in for their biggest reorganisation since Independence as preparations to roll out the first Integrated Theatre Command (ITC) are in advanced stages. “The Jaipur-headquartered South Western Command (SWC) will be the first theatre command, followed by Lucknow-based Northern Theatre Command,” a defence source said.

    An announcement in this regard is expected to be made on the Independence Day. 

    The South Western Command will initially function as the test-bed ITC in order to iron out the shortcomings and implement the commensurate amendments. The Lucknow-based ITC will be the next in line followed by the Maritime Theatre Command, based out of Karwar in Karnataka, entrusted with the responsibility of the coastal and maritime operations.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The commands are being worked out as per the concept of ‘One Border One Force.’ The Western Integrated Theatre Command will be responsible for defence and security concerning Pakistan. Lucknow, which currently is the headquarters of the Central Command of the Indian Army, is to become the headquarters of the Northern ITC, having the entire northern border with China under its area of responsibility.

    The proposed ITCs will be created with no liabilities towards the creation of additional posts or ranks, as the structure will be created from the existing command structure of each Service. At present, the three armed forces function with 17 independent commands: Army and Air Force have seven commands each and the Navy has three commands.

    China, in 2016, reorganised its seven military regions into five theatre commands with Indian borders falling into the operational responsibility of its Western Theatre Command. 

    The ITC will reorganise the complete war-waging machinery comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force.  Discussions continue to identify the first Lieutenant General rank officer to be elevated as the first Theatre Commander. The warfighting structure of the Armed Forces is being reorganised into theatre commands with an aim to have the assets of all three forces under one commander responsible for all operations under his theatre.

    According to sources, if the appointment goes by the seniority principle, Lt Gen RP Kalita, commissioned in 1984 and the present GoC-in-C of Kolkata-based Eastern Command, will be the seniormost officer in line for appointment to the post.

    If the continuity of service of an officer in the same place comes into consideration, Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju, the serving SWC Commander, will be chosen. The SWC was formally raised on April 15, 2005, and operationalised on August 15, 2005, at Jaipur Military Station. Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju assumed the charge of SWC on 1 March this year. Lt Gen Raju was commissioned in the Jat Regiment in 1984.

    Once appointed, the retirement age of the Theatre Commander will get pushed to 61 years, sources said. While the Services chiefs including the Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) serve for three years as chiefs or till 62 years of age, whichever is earlier. For all the Lieutenant General rank officers it is fixed at 60 years.

    The major reform at the Higher Defence Management level was initiated with the government forming the Department of Military Affairs in 2019 and General Bipin Rawat appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff. Formulation of the Theatre Command is the mandate of the CDS along with integration and synergy of the armed forces.

    The mandate of the Department of Military Affairs includes the facilitation of restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands. The present plans are the result of the studies entrusted to the Commands of the three services on issues related to the organisation and structures.

    While in the case of the Army South Western Command and Central Command have carried out the study. Central Command of the Air Force and Eastern Command of the Navy have carried out the studies. The theaterisation process was initiated by CDS General Rawat who was killed in an unfortunate accident in December 2021. This led to a delay in the process.

  • IAF grounds MiG-21 fighter aircraft fleet pending investigations into last crash over Rajasthan

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has grounded the entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter aircraft till the checks are carried out and investigations into the reasons behind the crash over Rajasthan earlier this month are ascertained.

    Three people lost their lives in the crash when a MiG-21 Bison aircraft airborne from the Suratgarh air base crashed over Hanumangarh in a village on May 8.

    “The MiG-21 fleet has been grounded till the investigations are carried out and reasons for the crash are ascertained,” senior defence officials told ANI here.

    The MiG-21 aircraft variants started getting inducted into the Indian Air Force over five decades and are on the verge of being phased out.

    There are only three MiG-21 squadrons operating in the IAF and all of them are going to be phased out by the early part of 2025, they said.

    The fighter jet that crashed over Rajasthan was on a routine training sortie when it met with an accident. The pilot suffered minor injuries after which an inquiry had been launched to probe the exact cause of the crash.

    The IAF has 31 combat aircraft squadrons including three of the MiG-21 Bison variant.

    The MIG-21 was inducted into the IAF in the 1960s and 800 variants of the fighter have been in service.

    The crash rate of the MiG-21 has been a cause of concern in recent times as many of them have met with accidents. The IAF is also looking at induction of the indigenous aircraft including the LCA Mark 1A and LCA Mark 2 along with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. 

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has grounded the entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter aircraft till the checks are carried out and investigations into the reasons behind the crash over Rajasthan earlier this month are ascertained.

    Three people lost their lives in the crash when a MiG-21 Bison aircraft airborne from the Suratgarh air base crashed over Hanumangarh in a village on May 8.

    “The MiG-21 fleet has been grounded till the investigations are carried out and reasons for the crash are ascertained,” senior defence officials told ANI here.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The MiG-21 aircraft variants started getting inducted into the Indian Air Force over five decades and are on the verge of being phased out.

    There are only three MiG-21 squadrons operating in the IAF and all of them are going to be phased out by the early part of 2025, they said.

    The fighter jet that crashed over Rajasthan was on a routine training sortie when it met with an accident. The pilot suffered minor injuries after which an inquiry had been launched to probe the exact cause of the crash.

    The IAF has 31 combat aircraft squadrons including three of the MiG-21 Bison variant.

    The MIG-21 was inducted into the IAF in the 1960s and 800 variants of the fighter have been in service.

    The crash rate of the MiG-21 has been a cause of concern in recent times as many of them have met with accidents. The IAF is also looking at induction of the indigenous aircraft including the LCA Mark 1A and LCA Mark 2 along with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. 

  • IAF aircraft with 360 Indians evacuated from Sudan lands in Delhi, more flights to follow

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The first flight with 360 Indians evacuated from Sudan has landed in Delhi.

    Around 534 Indians have so far been evacuated from Sudan and reached Jeddah. From there, they are being sent to India through Indian Air Force C130 J aircraft.

    “Another 250 evacuees are likely to board a flight to India from Jeddah and we are optimistic that around 300 more Indians will be brought into Jeddah from Sudan by Thursday morning. This is an ongoing and continuous process and we are doing our best to get our citizens back to safety,” said the Ministry of External Affairs.

    “Happy to see off 360 Indians at Jeddah airport in a Delhi-bound flight. The government is working relentlessly to evacuate Indian nationals from Sudan and bring them home safely,” said Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan. The minister is in Jeddah to personally oversee the evacuation of Indians stranded in Sudan.

    ALSO READ | First batch of 278 Indians reach Jeddah from Sudan

    Meanwhile, the rescued Indians have shared their ordeal through videos that have been shared on social media.

    “The fight was intense and we were struggling for food. The tent of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) was installed near our company. However, we were looted and held hostage for eight hours. Our mobiles were taken away and they had aimed rifles at us,” said one evacuee.

    They kept in touch with the Embassy in Khartoum and requested it to arrange for buses. Once the Navy took over, the evacuated Indians heaved a sigh of relief as there was food to eat and a safe ship to travel on (INS Sumedha).

    Meanwhile, India has to make the most of the 72-hour ceasefire and evacuate as many people as they can. Nearly 3000 Indians were based in Sudan before the conflict began. Indians are boarding ships from Port Sudan to Jeddah. Port Sudan is around 835 km from Khartoum and the journey takes nearly 12 hours. The journey from Port Sudan to Jeddah by sea takes another 12 hours.

    India is focused on moving its nationals from conflict zones to safe zones before transporting them to Port Sudan. Indian authorities are also exploring other places to evacuate Indians from Khartoum including the use of military airbases. In Jeddah, India has set up a control room and transit facility to facilitate evacuation. The transit facility has beds, fresh meals, medical aid and wi-fi.

    NEW DELHI: The first flight with 360 Indians evacuated from Sudan has landed in Delhi.

    Around 534 Indians have so far been evacuated from Sudan and reached Jeddah. From there, they are being sent to India through Indian Air Force C130 J aircraft.

    “Another 250 evacuees are likely to board a flight to India from Jeddah and we are optimistic that around 300 more Indians will be brought into Jeddah from Sudan by Thursday morning. This is an ongoing and continuous process and we are doing our best to get our citizens back to safety,” said the Ministry of External Affairs.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “Happy to see off 360 Indians at Jeddah airport in a Delhi-bound flight. The government is working relentlessly to evacuate Indian nationals from Sudan and bring them home safely,” said Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan. The minister is in Jeddah to personally oversee the evacuation of Indians stranded in Sudan.

    ALSO READ | First batch of 278 Indians reach Jeddah from Sudan

    Meanwhile, the rescued Indians have shared their ordeal through videos that have been shared on social media.

    “The fight was intense and we were struggling for food. The tent of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) was installed near our company. However, we were looted and held hostage for eight hours. Our mobiles were taken away and they had aimed rifles at us,” said one evacuee.

    They kept in touch with the Embassy in Khartoum and requested it to arrange for buses. Once the Navy took over, the evacuated Indians heaved a sigh of relief as there was food to eat and a safe ship to travel on (INS Sumedha).

    Meanwhile, India has to make the most of the 72-hour ceasefire and evacuate as many people as they can. Nearly 3000 Indians were based in Sudan before the conflict began. Indians are boarding ships from Port Sudan to Jeddah. Port Sudan is around 835 km from Khartoum and the journey takes nearly 12 hours. The journey from Port Sudan to Jeddah by sea takes another 12 hours.

    India is focused on moving its nationals from conflict zones to safe zones before transporting them to Port Sudan. Indian authorities are also exploring other places to evacuate Indians from Khartoum including the use of military airbases. In Jeddah, India has set up a control room and transit facility to facilitate evacuation. The transit facility has beds, fresh meals, medical aid and wi-fi.

  • Balakot ops showed effectiveness of air power even in ‘no war, no peace’ scenario: IAF chief

    The Chief of Air Staff said air power has become an option of choice due to “inherent flexibility” and “unmatched” precision strike capability. NEW DELHI: Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tuesday highlighted the critical importance of India’s air power considering the nature of its adversaries and said the Balakot operations of 2019 demonstrated its effectiveness even in a ‘no war, no peace’ scenario and under a “nuclear overhang.”

    The Chief of Air Staff said air power has become an option of choice due to “inherent flexibility” and “unmatched” precision strike capability.

    “Operations like Balakot have also demonstrated that given the political will, aerospace power can be effectively used in a no war, no peace scenario, under a nuclear overhang without escalating into a full-blown conflict,” he said.

    “This is very important given the nature of our adversaries. The response options available to the leadership have suddenly increased and increasingly, air power has become an option of choice due to inherent flexibility and unmatched precision strike capability,” he said.

    Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari was speaking at a seminar on ‘Aerospace Power: Pivot to Future Battlespace Operations’.

    India’s warplanes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan in February 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed.

    “India’s security concerns necessitate that it puts in place adequate military power that has the ability to achieve deterrence, ensure information dominance, coerce when needed and provide multiple response options,” Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said.

    “Attributes of aerospace power enable the leadership to formulate an appropriate strategy with due cognizance given to the desired end state, conflict termination criteria and escalation matrix,” he said.

    The IAF chief said that considering the advantages that aerospace power offers, it will become a crucial factor in future battlespace operations. To be able to control the airspace across domains will prove vital in the future and in order to achieve that, he said.

    Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said there is a need to harness technology including the CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductors) sensors, Artificial Intelligence enabled decision support matrix and manned-unmanned teaming. He said next-generation fighter aircraft will prove to be a deciding factor when fighting “tomorrow’s wars.”

    “One aspect that deserves a special mention is the humans in the chain. Any amount of automation will not be effective unless we have well-trained, situationally-aware and technologically sound professionals handling our systems,” the IAF Chief said.

    “To see first and see clearly, to reach first and reach farthest and to strike first and strike with precision will be the mantra for fighting modern wars,” he added.

    The Air Chief Marshal said battlespace transparency, enhanced rapid mobility and pinpoint precision capability will be the key to success and India’s capability development plans must address these issues.

    “If the world is increasingly becoming volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, it is high time that we develop counters,” he said.

    “We must evolve to counter the volatile with stability and calmness that comes from good strategy formulation and training in an environment of denial,” he said.